Systems and methods for collecting a particulate substance

ABSTRACT

A collector system for collecting a measurable amount of a particulate substance using an electrostatically charged collector. The collector is brought into proximity with the particulate substance and the electrostatic forces collect a measurable amount of the particulate substance on the collector. The collector system can further include a measurement system to measure the collected amount and a control system to adjust the collected amount until a specific amount of particulate substance is collected. The system can further include a conveyance system configured to convey a specific amount of the particulate substance from location to location within the collector system. In addition, the collector system can be configured to automatically collect and measure a specific amount of a particulate substance.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/160,148 filed May 31, 2002.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to collecting a particulate substance andmore particularly, to collecting a measurable amount of a particulatesubstance using an electrostatically charged collector.

2. Related Art

Many chemical substances are handled in powdered form. Chemicals inpowdered form are generally more cost effective than liquids becausethey have a much longer shelf life than liquids and are less volatilethan liquids, making them easier to ship and store. The powderedsubstances also provide the flexibility of solvating to any desiredconcentration. As a result, there is a need to measure and manipulatequantities of powdered or particulate substances. This need is presentin many areas including the chemical, industrial, medical andpharmaceutical industries where process chemicals, industrial chemicals,medicines and drugs are generally stored in a powdered form. Specificquantities need to be isolated and measured for experimentation,processing and other uses. As a result, several different methods ofcollecting and measuring particulate substances have been developed.

One such method includes using mechanical vibrations to loosen theparticulate substance to such an extent as to give it fluid-likecharacteristics, the particulate substance is then deposited into areceptacle where it can be isolated and measured. Another methodincludes using mechanical devices such as an Archimedes screw integratedinto a special cap or special canister that has a mechanically operatedvalve. Yet another method for collecting the particulate substanceincludes using a vacuum tube system to collect the substance withsuction or forced air motion.

These methods are costly to design, implement and operate because theyrequire a great deal of manual preparation and cleaning between uses andare highly subject to the threat of cross contamination and/or the lossof valuable substances. Some of these methods are also unable to collectsubstances from typical laboratory storage containers. They require theuse of additional specially designed containers to accomplish thecollection, which may also require the retooling of existing equipment.These methods are also unable to collect, isolate and measureparticulate substances with the level of performance and efficiency,needed in most industries, such as where single aliquots from manydifferent particulate substances are needed. In this case, the loss ofparticulate substances and the amount of time incurred in cleaning andreloading the equipment does not make these methods cost effective. Thepharmaceutical industry, for instance, requires specific amounts of aparticulate substance to be accurately measured to within a smalltolerance, which is made more difficult because each of the many varioussubstances have their own separate cohesive and adhesive physicalcharacteristics. In fact, many of these methods are unable to outperformthe typical lab technician collecting and measuring particulatesubstances manually.

SUMMARY

The systems and methods for collecting a particulate substance describedherein include a collector system for collecting a measurable amount ofa particulate substance using an electrostatically charged collector.The collector is brought into proximity with the particulate substanceand the electrostatic forces collect a measurable amount of theparticulate substance on the collector. The collector system can furtherinclude a measurement system to measure the collected amount and acontrol system to adjust the collected amount until a specific amount ofparticulate substance is collected. The system can further include aconveyance system configured to convey a specific amount of theparticulate substance from location to location within the collectorsystem. In addition, the collector system can be configured toautomatically collect and measure a specific amount of a particulatesubstance.

The systems and methods described herein also include a method forcollecting a specific amount of a particulate substance, includingelectrostatically charging a collector, bringing the charged collectorinto proximity with a particulate substance and collecting a measurableamount of the particulate substance on the charged collector. Also themethod can further include measuring the amount of the collectedparticulate substance.

Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the inventions willbecome apparent from the following Detailed Description, when consideredin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure andoperation, may be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings,in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating an example collector assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an example collector assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example collector assemblyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method for collecting aparticulate substance according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating another example method forcollecting a particulate substance according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating another example method forcollecting a particulate substance according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating another example collectorassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating another example collectorassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating another example collectorassembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods for collecting a particulate substance describedherein enable the collection of a measurable amount of a particulatesubstance through the use of an electrostatically charged collector. Thecharged collector is placed within proximity of the particulatesubstance where the electrostatic forces attract and physically draw ameasurable amount of substance to the collector and holds it in place.The collected particulate substance is then measured to determine if thedesired amount has been collected. In this manner, the collection systemcollects, isolates and measures the particulate substance in a preciseand accurate fashion, and satisfies the high tolerance needed by manyindustries.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict one embodiment of collection system 100 includingelectrostatically charged collector 110, particulate substance 120 andinsulated receptacle 130. In FIG. 1A, electrostatically chargedcollector 110 is lowered (in the direction of the arrow) into proximitywith particulate substance 120, contained within insulated receptacle130. As the distance between collector 110 and particulate substance 120decreases, the electrostatic force between collector 110 and particulatesubstance 120 increases until the attractive force is so great that ameasurable amount of particulate substance 120 physically moves frominsulated receptacle 130 to collector 110, where the electrostaticattraction continues to hold the collected particulate substance 120 inplace. Collector 110 is within proximity of particulate substance 120when collector 110 is at any location where a measurable amount ofparticulate substance 120 is collected. The proximity at which themeasurable amount of particulate substance 120 is collected can beactual physical contact with particulate substance 120 or the proximitycan be close to or near to particulate substance 120 without physicalcontact with particulate substance 120.

FIG. 1B depicts collector system 100 after a measurable amount ofparticulate substance 120 has been collected. Collector 110 is removed(in the direction of the arrow) from proximity with particulatesubstance 120 while the collected amount of particulate substance 120remains held in place on collector 110 by the electrostatic force.Collector system 100 then deposits collected particulate substance 120in a target receptacle.

In one embodiment, collected particulate substance 120 is deposited bylowering the electrostatic charge on collector 110 while positioned overa target receptacle. The charge is lowered to the extent thatparticulate substance 120 is no longer held to collector 110, dependingon particulate substance 120 and the amount of charge needed to collectsubstance 120, this can include eliminating the charge on collector 110altogether. In another embodiment, particulate substance 120 isdeposited while collector 110 is within a target receptacle. Without theelectrostatic charge to attract and hold particulate substance 120 tocollector 110, collected particulate substance 120 falls from collector110 into the target receptacle. In another embodiment, collectedparticulate substance 120 is deposited by physically vibrating collector110 and jarring the collected particulate loose. In yet anotherembodiment, collected particulate substance 120 is deposited by airforced upon collector 110 and blowing the collected particulatesubstance 120 loose.

Collector 110 is electrostatically charged and there is no currentmoving through the collector other than the small amount that bleeds offinto the surrounding air or onto particulate substance 120, insulatedreceptacle 130 or a target receptacle while in the collection ordeposition process. Collector 110 is preferably metallic, however it canalso be composed of plastic, ceramic and any other material capable ofholding an electrostatic charge sufficient to collect particulatesubstance 120. In this embodiment, collector 110 is in the shape of arod, which is preferable for the collection of various particulatesubstances 120. However, the shape of collector 110 is dependent on thephysical characteristics of particulate substance 120 in addition to theactual quantity of particulate substance 120 desired to be collected,and is not limited to the rod shape depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.Increasing or decreasing the surface area of collector 110 willgenerally increase or decrease the amount of particulate substance 120collected. Altering the surface area of collector 110 can be done eitherby altering the shape or the size of collector 110.

Collector 110 is readily interchangeable with another collector 110 andcan easily be replaced or cleaned and reused, making it ideal forpreventing cross contamination. In one embodiment, collector 110 is aspool of metallic wire, one portion of which is used to collectparticulate substance 120. The portion of wire holding the collectedparticulate substance 120 can be detached and removed and a new portionof wire can be fed out of the spool where it can be used to collectanother measurable amount of particulate substance 120. In thisembodiment, a new collector 110 can be continuously fed from the spooleach time particulate substance 120 is collected, and is therefore veryeffective in preventing cross contamination.

Particulate substance 120 can be any particulate substance capable ofsubmitting to the electrostatic charge carried on collector 110. Ingeneral, particulate substance 120 is a dry loosely packed powdered orgranular substance, comprised of particulates capable of attraction tothe electrostatically charged collector 110.

Particulate substance 120 is not pre-charged in any manner before beingcollected by collector 110. The high electrostatic voltage placed oncollector 110, induces an opposite charge on particulate substance 120,for example by polarization, and attracts the oppositely charged area ofparticulate substance 120. It is well known that the strength of anelectrostatic force acting between two different bodies increases as thedistance between the bodies decreases. Therefore, as charged collector110 is brought closer to particulate substance 120, the electrostaticforce acting upon particulates 120 grows in the strength, and eventuallythe electrostatic force physically draws particulates 120 to collector110.

Insulated receptacle 130 is configured to hold particulate substance 120and is composed of a non-conductive material. Receptacle 130 is isolatedfrom ground to guard against potential arcing or other short circuitingthat can occur when charged collector 110 is in proximity withreceptacle 130. Insulated receptacle 130 can be any size enclosure suchas a jar or tube or other non-conductive container, in which caseparticulate substance 120 is located within insulated receptacle 130.Receptacle 130 can also be a flat non-conductive surface without anysidewalls, such as a flat tray or dish, in which case particulatesubstance 120 is located on receptacle 130. For ease of discussion,insulated receptacle 130 is referred to as an enclosure in thedescription herein.

FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of collection system 100 includingcollector 110, control system 210, measurement system 220, conveyancesystem 230 and communication channel 240. In this embodiment, controlsystem 210 is communicatively coupled to measurement system 220 andconveyance system 230 via communication channel 240. In one embodiment,communication channel 240 is a central bus connecting control system210, measurement system 220 and conveyance system 230. In anotherembodiment, communication channel 240 includes separate bussesconnecting each system 210, 220 and 230 together. communication channel240 is configured to allow communication between each of systems 210,220 and 230.

Before describing this embodiment of collector system 100 in detail, itis useful to describe a simple example environment in which thisembodiment can be implemented. One such example is a laboratoryenvironment, where a lab technician needs to collect a specific amountof a chemical substance in powdered form. If numerous experiments areongoing, the technician may need to make a large number of separatecollections which could each vary by substance or amount. The labtechnician uses collector system 100 to collect one or more samples,each containing a specific amount of the various chemical substancesneeded.

Collector system 100 is configured to collect a specific, measurableamount of particulate substance 120. This task is performed mainly bycontrol system 210, which is configured to control measurement system220, conveyance system 230 and collector 110. Control system 210collects a measurable amount of particulate substance 120, measures thecollected amount with measurement system 220, to ensure the specificamount was collected, and conveys the specific amount to a targetlocation using conveyance system 230. Collector system 100 can beconfigured to perform all functionality automatically, without manualintervention.

The measurable amount of particulate substance 120 is an amountsufficient to be measured by measurement system 220. This amount is morethan one or two particulates, and is generally no less than 0.1 mg. Themeasurable amount of particulate substance 120 is generally in the rangeof 1-20 milligrams (mg). This range is for illustration only and canvary beyond these limits dependent on the needs of the specificapplication. The upper limit of the range is dependent upon the amountof charge on the collector in addition to the amount of particulatesubstance 120 collected. The upper limit of the range may also bedependent on the physical and chemical characteristics of particulatesubstance 120, for example molecular size, atomic weight and the numberof valence electrons as understood by those of ordinary skill in theart. When enough particulate substance 120 is collected the presence ofthe collected particulate substance 120 on collector 110 can preventfurther collection.

The specific amount of particulate substance 120 is the amount collectorsystem 100 needs to collect. This amount is within a range of amounts,or a tolerance, that is acceptable to the user or application. Forinstance, in the laboratory environment example, a lab technician mayneed to collect 1.2 mg of particulate substance 120. However, for theexperiment the lab technician is conducting, any amount between 1.19 mgand 1.21 mg will suffice. This range of 1.19 mg to 1.21 mg is thespecific amount of particulate substance 120. Therefore, if thecollected amount is any amount in this range, then the collected amountis the specific amount needed. If the collected amount is not withinthis range, then it must be adjusted.

Control system 210 is configured to control the collection ofparticulate substance 120. Various embodiments may employ differentmeans to achieve this function. One of these means includes varying theproximity of charged collector 110 to particulate substance 120 becauseless particulate substance 120 will be collected the further collector110 is from particulate substance 120 within insulated receptacle 130.Conversely, more particulate substance 120 will be collected the closercollector 110 is to particulate substance 120 within insulatedreceptacle 130. Control system 210 can be configured to physicallycontrol the distance between collector 110 and particulate substance120, and therefore control system 210 can control the collection ofparticulate substance 120.

In one embodiment, control system 210 collects particulate substance 120by inserting collector 110 a predetermined distance into particulatesubstance 120 and then removing collector 110 from proximity. Ameasurable amount of particulate substance 120 is collected whilecollector 110 is in proximity with substance 120. The insertion andremoval is done in a rapid manner and therefore allows the measurableamount of particulate substance 120 to be collected quickly.

Controlling the amount of time collector 110 is within proximity ofparticulate substance 120 is another means by which control system 210can control the collection of particulate substance 120. The longer theamount of time control system 210 is in proximity with particulatesubstance 120, the more particulate substance 120 is collected.

Yet another means by which control system 210 controls the collection ofparticulate substance 120 is by varying the amount of charge oncollector 110. The greater the charge on collector 110, the moreparticulate substance collector 110 will collect. Control system 210includes charging unit 250, which is configured to create anelectrostatic charge on collector 110. Charging unit 250 can beimplemented as an electric generator, transformer, capacitor or otherdevice capable of creating the electrostatic charge sufficient tocollect a measurable amount of particulate substance 120.

In one embodiment, charging unit 250 is an inductive coil supplied by adirect current (DC) source in time pulses, the frequency of which can beused to control the charge applied to collector 110. In this embodiment,the collected particulate substance 120 can be deposited by varying thefrequency and grounding insulated receptacle 130. However, becauseinsulated receptacle 130 is preferably required to be isolated fromground, adequate care must be taken to avoid arcing or other shortingbetween charged collector 110 and ground.

By adjusting the charge applied by charging unit 250, control system 210can control the collection of particulate substance 120. The amount ofcharge can be dependent on particulate substance 120 and the specificamount of particulate substance 120 to be collected in the individualapplication. Also, the charge can be dependent on the mass and densityof the particulates within substance 120 and the amount of polarizationthat can be induced in the particulates within substance 120, as well asthe triboelectric, adhesive and cohesive physical characteristics ofparticulate substance 120. In one embodiment, the electrostatic chargeis on the order of +20 KiloelectronVolts (KeV).

Control system 210 is further configured to adjust the collected amountuntil the specific amount is collected. Control system 210 can beconfigured to adjust the collected amount in multiple different waysdepending upon the needs of the application. For instance, in oneembodiment, measurement system 220 measures the collected amount beforecontrol system 210 removes collector 110 from proximity with particulatesubstance 120. If the collected amount is more than the specific amount,control system 210 causes collector 110 to deposit a portion of thecollected amount. If the collected amount is less than the specificamount, control system 210 causes collector 110 to collect more ofparticulate substance 120.

In another embodiment, after collecting the measurable amount, controlsystem 210 removes collector 110 from proximity and causes collector 110to deposit the amount at measurement system 220, which measures thecollected amount. If the collected amount is more than the specificamount, control system 210 causes collector 110 to collect a portion ofthe collected amount and removes it. If the collected amount is lessthan the specific amount, control system 110 causes collector 110 tocollect an additional amount of particulate 120 and deposits it atmeasurement system 220. Measurement system 220 can then measure theadjusted amount a second time, and iteratively repeat the adjustmentprocess until the specific amount is collected.

Control system 210 can be implemented as a software module executed by amicroprocessor, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or as aSystem On Chip (SOC). Control system 210 can also be implemented as ageneral purpose computer or other hardware device whose function is tocontrol the collection of particulate substance 120, measurement system220, conveyance system 230 and charging unit 250.

Measurement system 220 measures the amount of particulate substance 120collected. Measurement system 220 can measure the collected amount usingmultiple different methods. In one embodiment, measurement system 220measures the amount of collected particulate substance 120 on collector110 by using a scale coupled with collector 110. By knowing the weightof collector 110 with and without collected particulate substance 120,measurement system 220 can determine the weight of the collectedparticulate substance 120. In another embodiment, measurement system 220measures the decrease in the amount of uncollected particulate substance120 within receptacle 130 to determine the amount collected. In anotherembodiment, measurement system 220 measures the amount collected untilthe specific amount is collected.

In another embodiment, measurement system 220 uses algorithmic,extrapolatory and interpolatory techniques to determine the amount ofcollected substance 120 without a scale coupled to collector 110. Byknowing the charge on collector 110, the proximity of collector 110, theamount of time collector 110 is in proximity with particulate substance120, and the physical and electrical characteristics of substance 120,measurement system 220 can determine the amount of particulate substance120 collected without the use of a scale. In another embodiment, controlsystem 210 deposits the collected particulate substance 120 on aseparate scale where measurement system 220 then measures the amount.

If the specific amount was collected, it is deposited in a targetreceptacle and is transferred out of collection system 100 by conveyancesystem 230, which then replaces it with another target receptacle ifneeded. Conveyance system 230 is configured to transfer insulatedreceptacle 130 and any particulate substance 120 to a target location.The target location can be a receptacle or any desired location, insideof or outside of collector system 100, based upon the needs of thespecific application. Conveyance system 230 can be implemented as aconveyor belt apparatus, pick and place robotics or any other conveyancemeans configured to maximize the throughput of measurement system 220and control system 210.

For instance, in one embodiment, conveyance system 230 transfers atarget receptacle from a first scale operated by measurement system 220to a second scale operated by measurement system 220. If, in oneembodiment, multiple samples of particulate substance 120 need to becollected, conveyance system 230 physically moves the collected amountsout of collector system 100 and moves empty target receptacles withinrange of collector 110 to be filled. Conveyance system 230 can also beconfigured to maintain an adequate amount of particulate substance 120within insulated receptacle 130, either by refilling it or by replacinginsulated receptacle 130 with a filled one.

Measurement system 220 can be configured to measure the collected amountby proximity, time, charge or weight. When measurement system 220 isconfigured to measure by proximity, then measurement system 220calculates the amount of substance 120 collected by measuring theproximity of collector 110 to substance 120. Measurement system 220 canuse infrared, optical, electrical or mechanical measuring devices todetermine the proximity of collector 110 to substance 120. By measuringthe proximity and by knowing the amount of charge on collector 110, theamount of time collector 110 is within proximity and the physicalcharacteristics of substance 120, measurement system 220 can determinethe amount of substance 120 collected.

When measurement system 220 is configured to measure by time, thenmeasurement system 220 calculates the amount of substance 120 collectedby measuring the amount of time collector 110 is in proximity withsubstance 120. Measurement system 220 can use any clocking means capableof the level of precision and accuracy needed to make the measurement.By measuring the amount of time and by knowing the amount of charge oncollector 110, the proximity of collector 110 with substance 120,measurement system 220 can determine the amount of substance 120collected.

When measurement system 220 is configured to measure by charge, thenmeasurement system 220 calculates the amount of substance 120 collectedby measuring the amount of charge on collector 110 while in proximitywith substance 120. Measurement system 220 can use any charge measuringmeans capable of the level of precision and accuracy needed to make themeasurement. Measurement system 220 can be configured to measure thecharge by measuring the frequency, voltage, current or power used bycharging unit 250 to charge collector 110. By measuring the charge andby knowing the proximity of collector 110 with substance 120 and theamount of time collector 110 is in proximity with substance 120,measurement system 220 can determine the amount of substance 120collected.

When measurement system 220 is configured to measure by weight, thenmeasurement system 220 determines the amount of substance 120 collectedby measuring the weight of substance 120 collected on collector 110 orremaining in insulated receptacle 130. Measurement system 220 can useany weight measuring means capable of the level of precision andaccuracy needed to make the measurement. Measurement system 220 can beconfigured to measure the weight by using one or more scales dependingon the needs of the application. For instance, in one embodiment,measuring system 220 uses two scales, a low precision scale and aslower, high precision scale. The collected substance 120 is depositedat the low precision scale for a quick low precision measurement, and ifthe collected amount is sufficiently close to the specific amount,collector 110 can make another collection while the collected amount ismeasured on a second high precision scale. This scale is slower becauseof the higher level of precision, but determines if the specific amountwas collected with a higher level of certainty.

Measurement system 220 can also be configured to measure any combinationof proximity, charge, time and weight to determine the collected amountof particulate substance 120. In one embodiment, measurement system 220measures the amount of time collector 110 is in proximity with substance120 and then deposits the collected amount at a high precision scale toverify that the specific amount was collected. In another embodiment,measurement system 220 measures the time, charge and proximity and alsomeasures the amount of particulate substance 120 remaining in insulatedreceptacle 130 to determine if the specific amount was collected.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a method for collecting a specificamount of particulate substance 120 using collector system 100. At 310,collector 110 is electrostatically charged. At 320, collector 110 isbrought within proximity of particulate substance 120, which is locatedwithin receptacle 130. While within proximity of particulate substance120, collector 110 collects a measurable amount of substance 120. At330, collector 110 is removed from proximity with particulate substance120.

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a method for collecting a specificamount of particulate substance 120 using collector system 100. At 410,collector 110 is brought within proximity of particulate substance 120,which is located within receptacle 130. At 420, collector 110 iselectrostatically charged while in proximity of particulate substance120. While within proximity of particulate substance 120, collector 110collects a measurable amount of substance 120. At 430, collector 110 isremoved from proximity with particulate substance 120, the collectedamount held in place on collector 110 by the electrostatic charge.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a method for collecting a specificamount of particulate substance 120 using collector system 100. At 500,electrostatically charged collector 110 is brought into proximity withparticulate substance 120, located within insulated receptacle 130, bycontrol system 210. As a result of moving within proximity ofparticulate substance 120, electrostatically charged collector 110collects a measurable amount of particulate substance 120. Then, at 510,the collected particulate substance 120 is measured by measurementsystem 220. At 520, control system 210 determines if the specific amountof particulate substance 120 was collected based upon the measurementfrom measurement system 220.

If the specific amount was collected, then, at 530, control system 210deposits the collected amount of particulate substance 120 in the targetreceptacle. If the specific amount of particulate substance 120 was notcollected, then, at 540, control system 210 adjusts the collectedamount. After adjusting the amount, measurement system 220 measures thenew collected amount at 310. The process repeats until the specificamount of particulate substance 120 is deposited at 330. At 550, thetarget receptacle is conveyed out of collector system 100 by conveyancesystem 230 for it's intended purpose.

FIGS. 6-8 depict an embodiment of collector system 100, according to thesystems and methods described herein. FIG. 6 depicts collector 110 aboveinsulated receptacle 130 containing particulate substance 120. In thisembodiment, collector 110 is a metallic pin and insulated receptacle 130is a glass vial, placed in an insulated stopper. FIG. 7 depicts chargedcollector 110 within proximity and physically contacting particulatesubstance 120. A measurable amount of particulate substance 120 iscollected on the end of collector 110 by the electrostatic charge. FIG.8 depicts charged collector 110 removed from insulated receptacle 130with the collected particulate substance 120 held in place by theelectrostatic charge.

Collector system 100 is described in the illustrated embodiment in FIGS.6-8 in terms of an example laboratory environment. Description in theseterms is provided for ease of discussion only. Accordingly, this exampleis not intended to limit the invention to particular applications.

While the particular systems and methods for collecting a particulatesubstance herein shown and described in detail is fully capable ofattaining the above described objects of this invention, it is to beunderstood that the description and drawings presented herein representa presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are thereforerepresentative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated bythe present invention. It is further understood that the scope of thepresent invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may becomeobvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the presentinvention is accordingly limited by nothing other than the appendedclaims.

1. A method for collecting an amount of a particulate substance,comprising: electrostatically charging a collector; bringing the chargedcollector into proximity with a particulate substance; collecting anamount of the particulate substance on the charged collector; andmeasuring the amount of collected particulate substance.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: conveying the amount of collectedparticulate substance to a target location; and depositing the collectedparticulate substance.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein depositing thesubstance comprises reducing the electrostatic charge on the collector.4. The method of claim 7, wherein depositing the substance comprisesapplying a mechanical vibration to the collector.
 5. The method of claim7, wherein depositing the substance comprises applying forced air to thecollected particulate substance.
 6. The method of claim 7, whereindepositing the substance comprises reversing the polarity of theelectrostatic charge.
 7. A system for collecting an amount of aparticulate substance, comprising: a collector configured to receive anelectrostatic charge and collect an amount of a particulate substancewhen brought into proximity with the particulate substance; a controlsystem configured to control the electrostatic charge on the collectorand the position of the collector; a measurement system configured tomeasure the particulate substance; and a communication channelconfigured to communicatively couple the control system, the measurementsystem, and the collector.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the controlsystem is configured to adjust the electrostatic charge on the collectorto regulate the amount of the particulate substance collected by thecollector.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the control system isconfigured to adjust the position of the collector relative to theparticulate substance to regulate the amount of the particulatesubstance collected by the collector.
 10. The system of claim 7, whereinthe control system is configured to adjust the length of time thecollector is in proximity with the particulate substance to regulate theamount of the particulate substance collected by the collector.
 11. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the control system comprises a charging unitconfigured to apply the electrostatic charge to the collector.
 12. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the measurement system is configured todetermine the amount particulate substance collected by the collector.